Dorothea Rosskopf and Lee Jae-hyeong have been announced as winners in the Korea Times' 21st Economic Essay Contest, showcasing exemplary work in the field of economics.

Rosskopf, a student at the University of Göttingen currently participating in an exchange program at Seoul National University, was recognised for her essay "Where did the bank go? Rebuilding spatial memory in digital finance". 

Lee, a student at Hanyang University, won for his essay "Face over Interface: How smarter branches can reconnect with ging customers".

The contest, which is an opportunity for budding economists to share innovative perspectives, drew numerous submissions from across the globe. Dorothea Rosskopf and Lee Jae-hyeong's essays stood out for their originality, depth, and potential impact on real-world economic scenarios. Judging criteria included the clarity of the argument, the robustness of the analysis, and the feasibility of the proposed solutions. 

This annual event serves as a platform for young economists to gain recognition and contribute to the ongoing discourse in the field of economics. The competition's primary objective is to encourage critical thinking and the exploration of new economic thought approaches among entrants. Winners were awarded prizes worth 3 million won ($2,202) and had the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of seasoned economists and academics, providing them with valuable feedback and further insights into their chosen topics. Three other students from Ghana, Korea and Sweden, all studying in Korea, received a commendation and a 1 million won prize. A ceremony on June 17, 2025 celebrated their achievement, showcasing how both individuals explored critical economic issues. 

The essays will be published in leading academic journals, as well as in the Korea Times, offering Rosskopf and Lee an important springboard as influential young voices in the world of modern economics. 

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